Cocoon Networks, a Chinese-backed venture capital group is setting up a £500 ($700) million fund in London. The fund is aimed to invest in European tech startups.
Industry
Global fears prevent US Fed from rate hike plan
The adverse conditions in the global economy and weaker stocks on Wall Street may prevent the US Federal Reserve from going for a rate hike again. Some analysts forecast four more rate hikes in 2016, while Reuters' poll indicate three times hike this year. The slump in commodities, weaker global markets, slowdown in China's economy and lower oil prices are causes of concerns for the US Fed as these are upsetting the Wall Street.
South Korean Won retreats from 5-year low
South Korean currency Won has been volatile as it hit five-year low and recovered marginally. Won was tracking to Chinese currency Yuan as the dragon country is the major foreign market for South Korea. China's GDP rose 6.8 percent during fourth quarter marginally lower than the forecast of 6.9 percent. This disappointed the market.
Saudi Arabia continues to buy farmland in US
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations are buying thousands of acres in the US. Recently, Fondomonte California has purchased 1,790 acres of farmland in California. Almarai bought 10,000 acres of farmland in Arizona two years back. These companies have cultivating alfalfa hay and exporting back it to feed dairy herds. Local farmers in California and Arizona are expressing concerns over drop in groundwater table.
Oversupply hitting oil prices, not a secret plot: Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has ruled out allegations that Iran has been targeted in the oil price war. Saudi Arabian foreign minister said that it's demand-supply situation that determines price in the global oil market. The low price is also hitting US shale oil, which involves high cost of production.
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After acquiring Lyft Inc, GM has also purchased ride hailing pioneer, Sidecar. The acquired entity has been tattering in consecutive years for ever growing competitions with rivals like Uber and Lyft. With the acquiring, GM now will be able to play a more active role in relative fields with the new two subsidiaries.
Motorola has unveiled its Moto G3 smart phone in July 2015 and now released in the market. The concept for making budget conscious smart phones has been attracted by other mobile giants including its mother concern, Lenovo. Lenovo expects to grab the budget phone market shortly with its self developed similar products.
Lower oil price, sluggish global financial markets and weaker Loonie are impacting Canadian economy and forcing central bank to lower interest rate to zero level. Canada may move to negative interest rate in the near future, forecasts Barclays Plc. Bank of Canada is forecast to cut key interest rate by 25 basis points to 0.25 percent this week.
Amazon introduced the Dash Replenishment service on selected devices. The devices powered by Amazon Dash Replenishment program could enable customers to order everyday fundamentals automatically from Amazon.
The AC power cables linked to Microsoft’s Surface Pro tablets of selective three generations pose fire risks due to overheating. Though a limited number of overheating issues have been reported, Microsoft is taking no risks and going to recall for a global voluntary replacement. Details on replacement procedure will be furnished in the Microsoft website sometimes later this week, possibly on Friday.
Mike Hearn, one of Bitcoin's developer wrote on his belief that the digital currency has undergone some irreparable damage and that the end is in sight. He explained some complaints about Bitcoin which he believes to have no plausible solution. Bitcoin, on the other hand, has gained popularity among internet users although the system has triggered some controversies.
The Indian currency Rupee against the US dollar rose to highest since November 2015 on increasing outflows from Indian stocks and bonds. The Chinese markets were witnessing selloff and this also resulted in further withdrawal by foreign investors in Indian markets. The net outflow from Indian markets in January so far was at $686.2 million putting more pressure on currency reserves.
U.S. Department of Transportation will be allocating $4 billion for the next 10 years in self-driving car technology. Government will boost the effort in developing autonomous vehicle to increase safety innovation.
Audi and Mercedes Benz, world famous German automakers have joined to express their interest for hydrogen fuel powered cell cars. Remaining one step ahead of Mercedes, Audi has already introduced its H-tron Quattro at the North American International Auto show, held at Detroit. Industry insiders assume, Mercedes, the lavish German carmaker will introduce its first hydrogen fuel cell car at the 2017 Frankfurt Auto Show.
